After sending my Orvis waders in for repair, they still leak, not as bad, but they do leak. So, I'm on the search for new waders. I know Simms G3 are the best rated, but I have a problem spending $500.

I am 5'7" and wear a 29"-30" inseam pant, so I need a wader that offers shorter lengths.

I could go back to Orvis, but not sure I'm that satisfied with this last pair. They didn't seem to last very long. Which brings me to the title of this thread and my question. Does anyone have any personal experience with LL Bean Kennebec waders? I have done business with LL Bean over the years and know about their warranty, and that does weigh in heavily.
I'm just looking for some personal insight, including but not limited to:
How breathable are they?
How comfortable are they?
How durable are they, especially bushwacking?
How is the fit?
Generally, do you like them?
Anything else you want to throw in.

My 20 year old Cabelas were leaking so I bought some Patagonia stockingfoot hippers and they have held up well over the last couple of years - very satisfied with them. Just because they were on closeout sale I bought a pair of Simms G3 last year for $299 but they haven't been out of the box except to try them on, their fit is divine, much better than the old Cabelas had been.

It's the end of season so look for sales and in the interim peruse this:

I have the Kennebecs and like them. Had a different pair of Bean waders and they started leaking. Contacted Bean and they said they no longer offered the model but I could go with a different one. Opted to pay the difference to (slightly) upgrade to the Kennebecs and am glad I did. As you mentioned Bean's service is top notch. Rather than waiting for them to receive my old ones and then send the new ones they mailed the Kennebec's right away (got credit card info) and I mailed the leaking ones to them. Ended up the fit of the Kennebec's wasn't quite right and they exchanged them quickly. I like the multiple cuts in addition to normal sizing, lets you customize it a bit more.

I haven't bushwacked much in the waders but have fished in them a number of times. They are comfortable. Have a nice adjustable wading belt (velcro straps for each side are easy to adjust. When I initially put them on the belt sometimes falls out but is easy to put in and secure. Did take some spills etc and they are fine, but haven't really put them through their paces on long rough hikes or seasons of fishing. I'd recommend them based off my experience so far, backed by Bean's service.

My Kennenbec's fit like a glove... I'm 5'8... Big guy with a 28" inseam... I really like the integrated wading belt as it allows me to roll my waders down and use them as pants during warmer days... (The shoulder straps can be detached as well)... I do my fair share of bushwacking and lots of plopping down on my behind to slide down steep banks... Not a single leak that I've noticed yet... And I'm on my second or third year with them and I fit in a fair amount of fishing yearly... So haven't used the warranty yet but I know bean stands behind everything they make..

I think most anglers buy waders by their warranty,i see and read a lot about cabelas,ll bean waders how if they leak or fail I can just return them and they send you another pair. To me that's not the important reason for buying waders,The point here is not to have in the back of your mind that if and when these waders leak I just send them back and receive another pair,that comes down to lost time on the water,shipping charges,it goes back to the old saying you get what you pay for.Simms are the best by far,they set the standard for waders,period,you can not beat Gore-Tex for breathability.I have never had a problem with simms,EVER,and NO I do not work for simms.I own 3 pair,all 3 were bought on sale not full price.You have got the internet,search the fly shops and you will find that most have simms on sale.Theres only one word in dependable waders,SIMMS.

I ordered the kennebec boot foot in medium and it ran really big. I'm 5'7 and the bib went up to my chin. The boots also run at least a size larger than stated on the boot foot. Seemed well made and combined with their sale, the discount from Discover card and their warranty it was worth it to try them out. I ended up exchanging for the Helix stocking foot in small and it fit perfectly. I also bought the boa boots. I'm a fan of their customer service and they have free fly csting lessons.